If you’re like me, Super Bowl Sunday is one of your favorite days of the year. The game itself takes a backseat to the delicious food, good friends, and fantastic commercials that commemorate the occasion. 

The storyline this year is fascinating. Taylor Swift’s Kansas City Chiefs are attempting history with three consecutive Super Bowl rings while Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles will rely on their historically massive offensive line to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Philly. 

As you indulge in the best commercials available to television, Fox reports that at least 10 of the Super Bowl commercials have been sold for more than $8 million a piece. Crazy money!

Most people have no idea that more food is consumed on Super Bowl Sunday than on any other day aside from Thanksgiving. More than 100 million pounds of chicken wings and 11.2 million pounds of potato chips will be consumed before 1.5 million Americans call in sick to work the next day. Snack wisely…

But lurking in the back of my mind is the reminder that Super Bowl Sunday means it’s time to get ready for tax season. The thought of gathering documents, navigating deductions, and ensuring every detail is accurate can feel daunting. For many in our community—especially ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families—this process is more than just a task. It’s a potential turning point for financial stability.

That’s where the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program comes in. For years, VITA has been a lifeline for families who earn less than $60,000 a year, providing free, IRS-certified tax preparation and filing services. At our United Way, we’re proud to run this program, ensuring ALICE families get every credit and deduction they’re entitled to while avoiding costly tax preparation fees.

Impact by the Numbers

This past year, our VITA program delivered extraordinary results. Through the hard work of dedicated volunteers, we helped families save $444,500 in tax preparation fees. But the impact goes far beyond savings. By filing accurate returns and ensuring access to critical credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), we contributed to a Total Economic Impact of $2,051,813 for our community.

These dollars don’t just help individuals—they ripple through the local economy, supporting businesses, paying bills, and fostering stability for families striving to get ahead.

VITA is a cornerstone of our work with ALICE families. For those who are employed but struggling to meet basic needs, every dollar matters. Tax refunds often represent the single largest influx of cash they receive all year, making it a crucial opportunity to catch up on bills, save for emergencies, or invest in the future. By offering VITA, we provide not just a service, but a pathway to empowerment and financial health.

The success of VITA relies on three key components: volunteers, host sites, and community partnerships.

Volunteers: Our IRS-certified volunteers are the heart of the program. They dedicate their time and expertise to help families navigate the tax system with confidence. Becoming a VITA volunteer is a rewarding way to make a tangible difference in someone’s life. If you enjoy working with people and have an eye for detail, we’d love to have you join our team. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a tax expert to get involved. We provide all the necessary training and certification.

Host Sites: We’re also looking for companies, faith-based organizations, and other community groups willing to serve as VITA host sites. These sites are where the magic happens—where families come to have their taxes prepared by our dedicated volunteers. Hosting a VITA site is an impactful way to support your community and demonstrate your commitment to financial stability for ALICE families.

Community Partnerships: Finally, it takes a network of committed partners to make VITA successful. We work closely with local organizations to spread the word, recruit volunteers, and ensure that those who need our services most know where to find us.

Tax season might not be everyone’s favorite time of year, but through the VITA program, we’re turning it into an opportunity to help ALICE families get ahead. By saving money on preparation fees and receiving the maximum refunds they’re entitled to, these families can better manage their finances and work toward greater financial stability.

As we gear up for another successful VITA season, we need your help. If you’re interested in volunteering, hosting a site, or partnering with us to support ALICE families, please contact JaMelle Hill at jhill@unitedwaycg.com. Let’s make this tax season a season of opportunity and hope for all.